Bogdan Guskov is heading into a major light heavyweight matchup while still viewing Magomed Ankalaev as the standard at 205 pounds in the UFC. Even with a fight against Ankalaev on the schedule, Guskov has made it clear he believes his opponent is the top fighter in the division.
The matchup is set to headline UFC Abu Dhabi, putting extra attention on how Guskov measures Ankalaev ahead of the event. Guskov enters with an 18-3 record, while Ankalaev brings a 20-2 mark into the main event, adding to the significance of the contest.
Guskov’s stance highlights the respect Ankalaev has earned in the UFC light heavyweight class. Calling a future opponent the best in the division suggests Guskov sees Ankalaev as the man to beat at 205, regardless of rankings debates or title talk surrounding the weight class.
As UFC Abu Dhabi approaches, that storyline adds another layer to the fight. Guskov is preparing for one of the biggest opportunities of his career, and he is doing it against the fighter he still considers the division’s elite talent.
